BATtLE FOR OUR BIRDS IN THE MAKARORA AND WILKIN VALLEYS

DOC is currently preparing for aerial 1080 operations in the Makarora and Wilkin Valleys. This work is part of Battle for Our Birds which aims to save New Zealand’s wildlife from a surge in the numbers of introduced predators – www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/battle-for-our-birds. Please note:

The operation will start anytime from Saturday the 1st October. Two days are required. The first will be for the sowing of non-toxic ‘pre-feed’ pellets, followed by toxic bait pellets about a week later. It is important to have at least 24 hours of dry weather before and after each drop;

It is strongly recommended that people do not enter the treatment area during both the ‘pre-feed’ and toxic phases of the operation. Access to the Blue Pools and Cameron-Blue Pools link track will be restricted. People planning to visit the Makarora or Wilkin Valleys (and tributaries) from Saturday the 1st October onwards should check with a DOC visitor centre for details;

The operation will be staged from a site at Cameron Flat (opposite the campground). For both the ‘pre-feed’ and toxic drops this site will be temporarily closed to public entry;